On a bright and engaging day, the Chief Minister (CM) of Jammu & Kashmir chaired the District Development Review Meeting (DDRM) of Poonch at the district headquarters in Poonch itself. This meeting was a crucial event aimed at assessing the ongoing development projects, discussing future plans, and resolving administrative bottlenecks in the region. It provided a platform where the district’s administrative officers, local stakeholders, and the CM discussed strategies to foster growth, boost public welfare, and address the challenges faced by the people of Poonch. Poonch, located in the border region of Jammu and Kashmir, has long been a pivotal area due to its strategic location. The district has faced numerous challenges such as political instability, the economic impact of conflict, and infrastructure gaps. However, with the shift toward development in the region, the government’s attention has focused on improving the socio-economic conditions of the people. The DDRM chaired by the CM was an effort to ensure that these plans translate into tangible benefits on the ground. The meeting focused on assessing the progress of various ongoing projects in Poonch, including road infrastructure, healthcare, education, and rural development. It was also an opportunity to discuss upcoming initiatives that could stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents. The CM emphasised that the region should not lag behind in development, despite the challenges it faces, and this meeting underscored the government’s commitment to transforming Poonch. One of the major points of discussion was the completion and enhancement of road infrastructure. Poonch has historically been underserved when it comes to roads and connectivity, making it difficult for residents to access essential services. The CM stressed the importance of completing road projects that connect remote areas with urban centres, which would facilitate trade, tourism, and overall development in the district. The education sector was another area that required attention. The CM reviewed the performance of schools in the district and discussed ways to improve the quality of education. Plans were set in motion for introducing digital learning tools and infrastructure to create a modernised educational environment. Similarly, healthcare facilities in Poonch were scrutinised, with a need for better-equipped hospitals, additional medical staff, and upgraded rural health centres becoming a point of emphasis. The CM Shri Omar Abdullah assured that more resources would be allocated to enhance both healthcare and education in the district. Given Poonch’s predominantly rural and agricultural nature, the discussion also focused on investments in agriculture and rural development projects. Improved irrigation systems, better access to farming technology, and initiatives to support local farmers were highlighted as priorities. The CM also underscored the potential for tourism in the district, given its rich historical and natural heritage. If properly developed, tourism could provide new economic opportunities for the people of Poonch. Unemployment was another major issue, and the CM emphasized the need to create employment opportunities, particularly through skill development programs. The government pledged to increase its efforts to provide training and job opportunities, especially for the youth of the district. His vision for Poonch was clear: to build a self-sustaining, economically prosperous district that could stand as a model of development in the region. The DDRM concluded with a strong message from the CM, reiterating the importance of collective effort in achieving development goals. With local officials and community leaders on board, the district of Poonch was poised for significant progress. The meeting provided a roadmap for future initiatives, and with continued government support, Poonch was on track to overcome its challenges and emerge as a thriving part of Jammu and Kashmir.